13th
Annual Monterey Bay Reggae Festival
Story and Photos by Diane “Livonn” Adam
When it comes to bringing
some of the best roots reggae artist to California there can
be no doubt that Andre and Pam Smith of A&P Productions are
truly among the top conveyors of all that we love about
reggae. In their endeavors to reflect the true spirit and
power of reggae music they have succeeded in pioneering the
art of the reggae festival by pulling together the most
original and best that Jamaica and the world has to offer.
From roots, ska, rocksteady, lover’s rock and dancehall,
through the years Monterey Bay Reggae Festival has showcased
them all. The production of the festival began more than 15
years ago with long time friend Robert Brown who had the
idea that Monterey was ready for a reggae festival of their
own. Through all of the ups and downs Andre and Pam Smith
have continued to fight to keep this festival alive for the
multitude of reggae fans throughout California who come to
the Monterey Fairgrounds where the festival continues its
tradition of holding a family style reggae party.
This year’s 13th
Annual Monterey Bay Reggae Festival took off on Labor Day
weekend, August 29-31, 2008. The Friday night lineup
included performances by Queen Omega, Soul Majestic, Collie
Buddz and the powerful New Kingston Band. Many others
performed on either the main One World Stage or smaller
stages located throughout the fairgrounds which was bursting
with vendors selling everything reggae along with a wide
variety of food to tempt every taste. Closing Friday’s show
on the main One World Stage was a dynamic and edgy
performance from Ky-Mani Marley who poured it on strong in
his performance of songs from his third and latest album
release, Radio. Ky-Mani delivered a wicked and wild
set as he performed the songs “The March”, “One Time”,
“Hustler” and the hip-hop edged “Ghetto Soldier”. Never
forgetting his roots, Ky-Mani also gave a heartfelt
rendition of his song, “Dear Dad” which reveals his love,
admiration and the profound lost he feels for his father,
Bob Marley.
Saturday’s show got started
with many fine performances including Rasta warrior Lutan
Fyah and a rare “Rub-A-Dub Style” performance by dancehall
tag team duo Papa Michigan (b. Anthony Fairclough) and
General Smiley (b. Erroll Bennett) who first gained
recognition by recordings made at legendary Clemet “Coxsone”
Dodd’s Studio One. The self-proclaimed ‘Godfada’ of the
urban-reggae style came in the performance of Oakland’s own
Rankin’ Scroo who displayed his unique DJ style that
combines reggae with rap and hip-hop. Rankin’ Scroo
performed songs along side his partner Ginger on keyboards
and a bevy of young dancers whose frequent wardrobe changes
and youthful dance moves keep the vibe nice. Rankin’ Scroo
gave the audience only a small taste of what he has to offer
(believe me, I’ve seen this artist shock out at a previous
performance at this festival and others) as he delivered a
fine set of selections from his latest release, Solid.
Closing the show on Saturday was a beautiful performance by
Tosh Meets Marley which included legendary bandleader and
bassist Fully Fullwood alongside Tony Chin and Vince Black
on guitar, Jawges Hughes on keyboards, Karl Wright on drums
and the lovely and sweet vocals of Donovan Carless best
known for his work with Soul Syndicate Band. Tosh meets
Marley brilliantly forwards the music of both Peter Tosh and
Bob Marley and truly won over the crowd with their timeless
renditions of their songs. Also performing on Saturday was
drummer/singer Stevie Culture who also got a shot to perform
on the main One World Stage on Sunday. A dynamic and
talented performer, Stevie Culture, who you may remember as
the lead singer for the S.A.N.E. band out of Jamaica, is
definitely an artist to keep your eyes peeled for along with
checking out his new CD release, Top Class which is a joy to
experience. Other performances on Saturday included Sister
I Live, Malika Madremana and Ras Danny along with many
others.
On Sunday, August 31 the
festival took wings with performances by LA’s Quinto Sol
(Fifth Sun) who brought the Latin rhythms of cumbia and
salsa and Puerto Rico’s Roots Natty. On the smaller stage
it was Cote d’Ivoire beauty Fely (b. Leye Felicite Tchaco)
who performed with her band.
Fely’s
genuine warmth encompassed the smaller stage as
she performed songs from her latest CD release, Awareness
like “Afrique Bon Le Won” (Cry of Mother Africa) and “Let’s
Go For Peace”. Fely brought the gentle trade winds of a
true Africa Fête
to the fairgrounds. Shaking and poppin’ that booty was
taken to a new level as Fely showed us all what Africa has
contributed to the world of dance that made BeyoncéKnowles’
bounce seem tame in comparison. Fely’s high-energy
performance brought fans on stage to help her
celebrate in dance and in my estimation this show ended
much, much to soon. Back on the One World Stage was a
performance by Sister Carol and as the day grew cooler it
was a strange but warmly received performance by Kevens
whose eclectic mix of electronic reggae ushered in the
night.
One of the most beautiful
moments of the festival was felt in the performance by the
Mighty Diamonds, Donald 'Tabby' Shaw, Fitzroy 'Bunny'
Simpson and Lloyd 'Judge' Ferguson who took full control of
the heart when they performed many of their most love songs
including “Right Time”, “I Need A Roof” and “Long Time”.
Tabby’s lilting vocals penetrated our souls and I could
see nothing but smiling faces wherever I looked. Tabby’s
own voice seemed to consume him as he sang, eyes closed, in
meditation of his words. The Mighty Diamond’s performance
was truly a soul stirring one and a highlight of this year’s
Monterey Bay Reggae Festival. Closing the show on Sunday
night was Junior Reid who delivered in all areas as he
performed the razor edged “One Blood” which he provided his
own interpretation of The Game who recorded the hip-hop
version of the song. The 13th Annual Monterey
Bay Reggae Festival was another success this year and as one
of my favorite festivals, I want to salute all of the people
who helped to make it a success and a festival destination
that reggae lovers look forward to each year.
